The New Orleans Pelicans (22-33) defeated the host Detroit Pistons (27-29) 111-106, on Sunday at Palace of Auburn Hills.
This was a hard fought, back-and-forth game between two desperate teams. With the Pistons just on the fringe of the top-eight in the East and the Pelicans looking to make a run in the second half of the season, both teams came out and laid it all on the line. The story in this game however was taken over by Anthony Davis who went off for a league season-high, career-high and franchise record 59 points. Davis also hauled in 20 rebounds, making him only the third player to score 50+ points and grab 20 rebounds, since the 1963/64 season. The other two players to achieve such a feat since then were Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber. Davis is also now the youngest player to score 59 points since 1963. Finally Davis' 59 points set a record for most points scored by a player at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Davis was not entirely alone as he turned in 59 points (24-34 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 9-10 FT), along with 20 rebounds and four assists. Jrue Holiday put together a complete game, nearing a triple-double with 20 points (6-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 8-9 FT), nine assists and seven rebounds, in 32 minutes off the bench. The only other player to score more than five points for the Pelicans was Ryan Anderson, who finished with six points (1-12 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), albeit on horrendous shooting. The Pelicans are now 5.5 games out of eighth in the West, as they have now won two in a row.
This was the fifth loss in a row for the Pistons, who have been struggling lately and remain out of a playoff spot. Reggie Jackson did his best to keep up with Anthony Davis, but only managed to pour in 34 points (11-20 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 8-8 FT) of his own, along with four rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Andre Drummond logged a double-double with 21 points (9-13 FG, 3-10 FT) and 14 rebounds, along with two steals and three blocked shots, in 35 minutes. New addition Tobias Harris had another solid game for his new squad, as he finished with 16 points (6-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal, in 35 minutes off the bench. All together the Pistons only managed 18 assists and missed 12 free throws.
Next, the Pistons will be in Cleveland to face the Cavs on Monday.
The Pelicans will travel to D.C. to face the Wizards on Tuesday.
